Other education programs and resources

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Scouting programs | Junior Forester program | Speakers | Additional educational resources

Scouting programs

Boy Scouts

Forestry Merit Badge Workshop
- The next forestry merit badge workshop will be held at Harbison State Forest in May of 2024.
Eagle Scout projects and other service projects

Girl Scouts

Girl Scout Cadette “Naturalist” Tree Badge Workshop
- The tree badge workshop will take place at the Cathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center on September 10, 2023 from 8am – 12pm. This training will be in conjunction with the Outdoor Adventure Overnight event on September 9-10, 2023 at the leadership center. Scouts can sign up separately for the tree badge workshop or participate in it as part of the Outdoor Adventure Overnight.
- Registration will be opening soon on the Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands event page.
Gold Award projects and other service projects

Cub Scouts

Webelos-Arrow of Light Elective Adventure: “Into the Woods”
Webelos Forester activity badge
Service Projects

For more information, contact SCFC Environmental Education Coordinator Matt Schnabel at mschnabel@scfc.gov or (803) 896-8892.

Junior Forester program

Looking for something fun AND educational to do with your kids while at Harbison State Forest? Consider participating in SC Forestry Commission’s Junior Forester program.

Families can visit the state forest’s Environmental Education Center to check out a backpack loaded with nature investigation supplies. They’ll also receive a grade level appropriate activity book (K-2 or 3-5) containing hands-on learning experiences that the children will complete while taking a self-guided hike in the forest. Upon completion, each child will receive a prize! The Junior Forester program is FREE of charge and available from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged. Due to limited staffing, this program is not available on weekends.

Please contact SCFC Assistant Environmental Education Coordinator Beth Foley at bfoley@scfc.gov or (803) 896-8855 to make a reservation or to ask questions about the program.

Geocaching at Harbison State Forest

In recognition of the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s 90th anniversary, Harbison State Forest created a geocaching course in 2017. Geocaching is a great family-friendly activity for all ages to get outside and explore our beautiful forests. The purpose of this course is to educate the public about the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) and the importance of forestry in our state. Join us in celebrating nearly a century of forest protection, management and development for the citizens of South Carolina.

The course follows the established 0.7 mile “Learning Trail” and 0.5 mile “Discovery Trail” which both start at the Education Center – 5600 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. The terrain difficulty level is rated as “easy” on these hike-only trails. Harbison State Forest is also dog-friendly, but please remember to keep your pets on a leash! There is a $5 daily parking fee for Harbison State Forest and a fee box can be found at the Education Center.

There are seven individual geocaches hidden along these trails, which can be found in 50-cal ammo cans. Each cache contains a log book and information regarding the divisions and duties within the South Carolina Forestry Commission. There is an accompanying set of seven questions (1 for each cache) that can be completed and turned into the Education Center. If you answer all seven questions correctly, you will receive a SCFC coin!

To get started, please check out the instructions page. The answer sheet can be printed at home or picked up from the Education Center. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Beth Foley at BFoley@scfc.gov or 803-896-8855.

Speakers

Do you need forestry-related speakers for classroom visits, programs, clubs and group meetings? Call the office for your county to speak with someone.

Educational programs are also available at three State Forests:
Harbison State Forest: (803) 896-8890
Sand Hills State Forest : (843) 498-6478
Manchester State Forest: (803) 494-8196

Educational resources for schools and the public

A Tree’s Dream

Teach your students about ways we are conserving Earth’s natural resources and protecting the environment through the “A Tree’s Dream” video and accompanying lessons. Follow the dream of Tim the tree as he fulfills his dream of becoming part of a family’s home.

Forest Trees of South Carolina

Tree Identification Book for South Carolina. Soft-bound copies of the book may be purchased directly from the SC Forestry Commission for $20 ($15 if you pick up in person). CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY/COPIES TODAY!

Forestry Tools

Learn some common forestry tools.

Forestry Works

This website contains information about forestry careers, training opportunities, and many other resources for educators. Forestry Works educates students, parents, and teachers about careers and job opportunities in the forest industry, and provides interested students with resources to help them along their career path.

People of Forestry: Discover Careers in the Forest

This activity book has fun activities that teach children about the environmental, social, and economic benefits of our forests as well as careers in forestry and tree care.

US Forest Service Learning Portal

Educational resources for kids, parents, teachers and natural resource professionals.

Videos

SC Forestry Commission YouTube channel

Forest Fast Break videos
Short, animated, fun videos that teach about natural resource topics. Videos were produced and provided by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.

Southern Group of State Foresters

This YouTube channel contains videos on topics from careers, to environmental protection, to forest management, and many more.

For more information, contact Matt Schnabel, Environmental Education Coordinator, at (803) 896-8892 or Harbison Environmental Education Forest at (803) 896-8890.

Education